Chips you are right to bring these pics to our attention. It shows destruction of intense magnitude.
Why Hamas insists on bringing a slingshots to a gunfight is beyond comprehension. It just unleashes Bibi`s hatred while he hides behind the US.

I’m still shaken from watching the 4 little boys slaughtered as they were trying to run away from danger. This shouldn’t have ever happened. Hamas had nothing to do with the kidnapping of the Israeli teens. 1000 people died brutally for nothing. *tears*

It’s soul-destroying Nerdy. The ‘Troubles’, as they called them, in Northern Ireland last around 30 years and 3,500 people died, which was horrific. But it’s over 1,000 Palestinians in just 19 days. Pure and utter slaughter.

Thank you, Bobfr. You and this beautiful TOD family give me so much hope, and I gratefully choose Hope. And most of all, that Choice of Hope will get us to another level of bringing a little more saneness , stability, decency, and respect for the precious gift of life and being able to live it in as much peace as well.

The amount of massive help it would take to rebuild these areas is staggering. Only an effort as major as the Marshal Plan would make a dent in this level of destruction and I fear nothing like that will ever be forthcoming for Gaza. Israel will never be made to pay for what it has done.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ You are so beautifully generous in your thoughts and deeds, jackieG.}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}. JackieG, some days are more difficult than others, but I have to lean very heavily on my spiritual strength and pause often to just cry out for a generous portion of that strength within.

That is one of the more regrettable things in my life of not to have been able to have a child in my marriage in those young days of my life. However, I now can see that I can still continue to give so much of myself to so many children, seniors, and friends who are children and trying to take care of their parents in a decent and respectful manner. It is a joy to be there in a small way to give them a hug, a suggestion, or even a helping hand to make their load just a little lighter.

All of that love that I would have given to my loving son or daughter, I realize that I can share the appropriate portions with others in so many other appropriate ways. I am blessed and want to share those blessings with others with opportunities arise. I hope that I am doing it right.HZ

I’m wondering how much good will around the world Bibi is destroying? I think he is doing so. I know many people, including my sister, who have visited Israel on pilgrimages. That was never on my bucket list, and for sure now, I will not contribute anything to the Israeli economy.

Thanks Chips and Bobfr for posting these photos. We need to know the truth about what is happening in Gaza. By showing this destruction of Gaza by Israel, hopefully we can stop this genocide. I’m going to send an email to my two senators.

Jeff, your two senators should be: Patty Murray and Marie Cantwell. My best, best friend lives in Gig Harbor and donates very, very generously every month. So when we put in whatever amount when they send us all of their emails, ; then they can at least take our calls. Do not give up, Jeff. I hope for the best for your contacting them. HZ

At the moment, six rockets/mortars have reportedly been fired from Gaza since the 8pm ceasefire deadline. Negotiations are reportedly continuing to extend the ceasefire for 24 more hours. In the end, until we hear from Secretary Kerry or another credible US official all we have are reports from folk on the ground in Israel and Gaza.

Has Bibi pulled his people from Gaza? Thought not. It looks like Israel is earning those rocket attacks. When you occupy a land and throw them in a camp they get zero sympathy and have no right to claim self defense.

I love my Chips and TOD Family. Thank you Chips for this very special space. {{{{{{{{{{{Chips, Nerdy, and all of our brilliant contributors}}}}}}}}}}

“There is a special place in hell for Netanyahyu and those who advocate this destruction of human lives.”

So true, IMOP as well, Nerdy. My heart is pounding as I see this destructiveness. Heavy heart. Bobfr is so point on in his comment above.
There has to be a time for peacefulness in this region. Why do we carry the elements of hate, greed, and disrespect for a life? Why do we not feel the urgency to see the need to come to the table and talk with sense to make policies so all humankind can just have a decent life on this earth.

I know some of the arguments, but it hurts so much to see these hellish thinkers controlling so much of the narrative with their evil deeds. I will try very hard to keep a level mind to give me strength to ask for a kind and gentler spirit to reach the stone hearts of these leaders of destruction .

Amk, the puppies are so lovely. Take good care and enjoy your family unit time.

Bobfr, thanks for keeping us up to date with the on-going news.

And may we continue to lift up our president today as he and VP Biden and Sec. Kerry deal with all that is on their plates. We are so blessed to have PBO in the Oval Office. However, we need to keep our hearts completely full of what we have been through with him, and give thanks for the outcomes; and continue to get strong in our minds, and hearts so we will be ready to hit the road in get people registered and out in Nov.

I want to thank JackieG for all that she is doing and Judith, SUE, and all who are having tremendous grassroots actions going on right now. It may seem long and tedious, but we have gone through difficulties times before. That is why I daily lift my prayers of thanksgiving up for Chips and her team for this beautiful place. You all are so unselfish in your sharing of information and, I thank you.

We are going to make this a very good outcome. As along as we work hard, remember why we are here, and what we are capable of doing when we all come together. Then we will get the ‘stuff’ done right this time around. I will be nice and not allow my feisty attitude to spill out the words that I want to say, but someone has to say them once in a while for our president. I know him like a great book in my hand; if he could have used the word that he was thinking in that speech at the fundraiser this week; it would not have been “stuff happened.”

Shit happened, and let us be alert and not be fooled by this ‘compassionate GOP Crap Talk’. I am not judging these people, but I am calling them out for their old crap. And not one of these people: from Paul Ryan, Rand Paul, Jeb Bush to Ted Cruz fool us with this old crap. Do they really believe that we are that crazy? Really. Come on.

Forgive me, but this just hurt so much to know that little children, seniors, mothers, fathers, and families are being destroyed because of the selfish, self-powerful big heads in government think that they can get away with this shit. It stinks, it ruins people’s lives, and it takes respect and decent aspirations from the hearts and minds of good people. No one should have to go through this. No one. We are better than this.

Lift up Sec., Kerry; lift up Sec. Jeh Johnson; lift up AG Eric Holder; lift up Sec. Lew; lift up National Security Advisor, Dr. Susan Rice; lift up UN Ambassador, Samantha Powers; and lift up VP Biden. They need our prayers and meditations. We are strong when we all come together. They know that, and that is why the likes of MHP and all the rest of them know. It is shameful; but we have two beautiful souls in that WH to keep their backs, and we will. And never forget to lift up our service men and women who are giving their lives daily for us; but these sorry ass Congress rejects what is right and respectful for them and their families. Let us start calling these vile congressmembers out. And they want to talk to us about some ‘Shit Compassion.?” Just look how they voted on the Veterans Bill this week. This is crazy crap. And they wonder why President Obama and VP Biden are calling them out? Hell yes, call them out. We all will call them out; via phone, email, tweeter and calling their local offices. I am close to seventy, and I did just that this week. {I did not speak a word to my brother, and you all better not either} ; but I am tired, but I am patient until you push me too hard. This almost seventy body and heart is still in good shape, but we can get this done.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Thank you Chips, and Nerdy, Bobfr, Amk, LL, Zizi, LP, DF., Bill R., Yardarm, Donna, Tally, CarolMae, MightyPamela, Desertflower, Hopefruit2, Jackie O, Judith, JER, and all of the brilliant minds who daily bring so much to this space for all of us.}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I know when one start naming names, you are bond to leave someone out, so please forgive me. But I go back in my mind and remember when all of you should have the mics., and be out in front of the world with the cameras to spread the truth every day, but we are so grateful to All of you for still standing with our great POTUS and VPOTUS. But please pray and meditate for wisdom and favor to be granted to them daily. HZ

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{TY, my GGail.}}}}}}}}}}}}} I will continue to be grateful to help show the better angel in all of us. We have a great man as our president, and by the power and grace that is given to me each day that I rise to greet the new day; I will try to help in some way. HZ

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{GGail, TY.}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} I know that you too realize the power that we all have to stand firm with this beautiful President and VP., and we will continue to do it. Thank goodness for our Chips giving us this space to show that support and give him that respect. HZ

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ A Sweet and beautiful moment of quietness for you, my beautiful friend.}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} MightyPamela, I so admire that you know how to find your beautiful moments within your space. Enjoy your day in that beautiful part of the country.HZ

I would like to add that despite the so called ceasefire that Israel supposedly agreed to they were continuing their efforts to destroy tunnels, etc. So I might add that AP is being dishonest in their assertions.

Israel never agreed to a ceasefire unless you mean cease air war. IDF remained in the tunnels, destroying them and the gates imprisoning Gaza stayed shut. Israel wants the rockets to stop and calls that a ceasefire.

The goal is to put the blame for hostilities on hamas.

Or as a clever tweet put it “When Israel refuses terms of a ceasefire it is John Kerry’s fault.
When Hamas rejects a ceasefire that applies to them not Israel, it is Hamas’ fault.”

I trust Chips and the TOD community to go with their hearts and make the best decisions on what to post and comment. Please, Chips, I’m not criticizing your choice of photographs. I read many comments yesterday about Gaza, and many other times when there were so many comments about the GOP. I thought about adding my own thoughts, but didn’t. I would like to now. To me TOD has been a place where I could visit and read facts and positive, accurate news about President Obama and his administration. He deals with so much and is so unfailingly positive, always working on solutions. I would like to support him in the best way I can and I know there is much love and appreciation here for him.

The Republicans are the “bad child” of the national family and they suck up media attention and therefore the attention of people of this country. I read an article saying nervous, anxious people don’t like to vote. The GOP beats a drum of negativity that is designed to anger people or keep people off balance. Somehow this energizes Republicans and depresses Democrats. I feel peace and confidence when I see a picture of Pres Obama or hear him speak. I do think it is helpful to be aware of what is going on and give GOP congresspeople and media feedback when they are not telling the truth, to let them know that what they do is in the light of day. But it was media attention that made something out of the nothingness that is Palin and the Tea Party. People were drawn to the light and hope that President Obama shines.The more the country sees and hears the truth about Pres Obama the better.

I feel outraged by Gaza and the Ukraine too. But surely Pres Obama and this administration are taking steps to bring about resolution. These are delicate situations and they must be taken privately, but I would hope there are pictures, articles, comments, and articles about it. There must be wise words somewhere on the Internet. I feel empowered by this President and I feel helpless with the GOP, Putin and Bibi. And I am helpless. They will do what they will do. I’m not saying to ignore what is happening at all. Not at all. I’m not saying to put a happy sticker over an empty gas tank. I’m talking about what we give attention to, what we are supporting. I can remember President Obama talking about hope being a choice. I’m floundering here trying to explain. I would like to support him in whatever way I can. I am just offering my thoughts about how we focus and what we can do to support efforts for resolution. There must be many groups and people working for peace in this situation. I look at the pictures you have chosen Chips and think how very, very powerful the strength and hope and belief in solutions that Pres Obama, SOS Kerry, Ambassador Power have in the face of that. They are absolutely amazing shining beacons of light. Those pictures you chose and those working for peace shown at the same time I think would be powerful.

I have so much appreciation for all of you. I will be leaving shortly, but I might be able to check back in awhile. If not, I thank all of you for listening and, Chips, for creating this beautiful place.

Hi ThisMagicalEarth, thanks a million for sharing your thoughts, they are really appreciated.

I did think about whether to post those photos, I know many of you come here for positive news and, often at the weekend, some light relief.

But I just don’t think we can ignore what’s happening in Gaza right now, it’s nothing less than genocide, and I didn’t have the heart to skip over it today. I think those images – and they’re just three of thousands – were important to share.

My heart goes out to PBO on this because I am certain he is as horrified as anyone by the slaughter, and I can only imagine how hard he and Sec Kerry are working behind the scenes to put an end to it. It kills me that he hasn’t loudly and publicly condemned the Gaza slaughter, but I understand, he is strangled by America’s insane and depressing relationship with Israel.

Thank you for voicing your opinion, TME. I have nothing to add because I literally just signed on and am going from the bottom up. So without much reference, I simply want to say I appreciate you sharing your opinion in a thoughtful way! {TME}

Thank you, Chips. I am going out on my patio now and cut a lovely rose from my mother’s’ Phenomenal Rose’ bush to celebrate Ms. Lucy Coffey. What an inspiration. Now let us keep pushing the Congress to treat her with respect by passing the appropriate bills which will enrich her life even more. Get the clippers.
{{{{{{{ Love you, Chips}}}}}}}, and thanks to Lucy Coffey for her service and sacrifice. That keeps me on the phone to the Congress.HZ

TY, my beautiful Chips. I went to the front of the entryway to my place where I have a lovely white tea rose bush and the roses are blooming so beautifully. So, I brought in a very lovely bunch of cuttings along with a few strings of my Mother of Pearl plant , and I made a nice arrangement in a lovely glass vase in honor of Ms. Lucy Coffey from our TOD family. I then placed it on the piano in the piano/library room.

We know both our president and VP love our veterans and music. And one day we will read the wonderful books that PBO will write about serving as the CIC to all of the wonderful men and women who have served this great nation. She is in the same room space as the great photo of President Barack Obama, her CIC. A lovely Warm Vanilla Sugar candle is burning in the room. The fragrance from the room smells so sweet just like our VP Joe Biden will always be.

Carolyn, when I saw on twitter this morning that PBO was playing golf; I had the same thoughts. I am expecting something good to happen also. I know he is clearing his head and preparing his next moves. Someone very close in his circle said that the President plays golf to help him clear his mind and stay focus.

I am always elated when he can go out and play golf and also take care of business while still getting some much needed relaxing moments in his space. God bless his beautiful spirit for all of us and those around the world.

I love our President and our VP. What gifts we have been given. Gratefulness in our space is beautiful. HZ

Merci, mille fois! I never for a minute thought I’d actually miss it so much, but it was immensely frustrating to not be able to retweet good ‘stuff’ or snark at GOP leadership or capture a visual I liked. I felt chained!

“When I see what volunteers are doing for this country–clothing and equipping the army, feeding and providing shelter for refugees, buying with their own money (while the population is not that well off to begin with) all that is necessary for the country not to perish–I not only feel admiration for these people, but I am also shocked. I have seen a lot of things in life, both good and bad, but I have not seen anything like this anywhere in the world. Not even heard of it. I not only take my hat off to these people, I can’t even find the words with which I would express my gratitude for what they are doing today in order for this country to survive and so its society is consolidated.

You know, two wars in my country were lost because the country was bankrupt and had no financial resources.

Yet, had we had the kind of people like these here in Ukraine, we would have never lost.”

Has the author ever interviewed this POTUS? “Acting White”? How so Nia or whatever her name is? She went from Politico to WashPost and while at Politico, her Journalism was questioned for having same pigmentation as the 1st Family. If this is what she has to scrub to get TV Time and earn her pay, perhaps, she should quit now and find her soul.

The link says she refused $300,000 per episode, so I hope the show continues to thrive with Meagan Good. I’m glad to see another African American actress get a shot in the limelight. Maybe Kerry Washington started believing her agent’s pitches.

“Putin is vulnerable because the hierarchical, hermetically sealed system he is pitting against globalization will not survive in an increasingly interconnected world. Its weakness was demonstrated when Russian denials of shelling Ukraine were undermined by Facebook postings by his own soldiers. I agree with Peter Pomerantsev that Putin has produced a reading of globalization and a strategy for defining Russia against the West. However, the Russian President’s view is that of man afraid of change, seeking to create a Russia of servile worker bees sealed from the light. This world will have its own enclosed media and internet while its elite glide the streets of London and Paris in Bentleys. The cracks are already showing and its great weakness, that it is based on creating a fictional view of the world founded on massive lies, can be used to destroy his propaganda apparatus. Putin believes in the power of the lie, as he said to a gathering of Jews recently, “The bigger the lie the more people will believe it”. He attributed the quote to Goebbels who he said was a “talented man… who achieved what he wanted.” The words were in fact spoken by Hitler and Goebbels ultimately committed suicide and killed his own children. Lies always catch up with you. Putin thinks they are a weapon in his arsenal but they are one of the tools with which we can excavate his political grave. Let’s grab a spade and start digging.”

Where do we start? Over the last month Rick Scott has been involved in so many scandals, controversies, and gaffes that it’s difficult to keep up with them all. The only thing Rick Scott was able to successfully accomplish this month was to effectively remind Floridians exactly why they cannot trust him with another four years.

To help everyone keep track, we have compiled a list of the self-inflicted crises Rick Scott has found himself at the center of over the last few weeks.

National ridicule over his inability to answer questions. Rick Scott’s inability to answer questions got him wall-to-wall coverage on MSNBC as well as making Anderson Cooper’s “Ridiculist.” As Cooper summarized, Scott’s refusal to answer even the most basic questions “just insults everybody’s intelligence.”

Statewide coverage of his inability to answer questions. Nearly every media market in the state covered Scott’s stumbles as he robotically stuck to irrelevant talking points “to the point of stupification.” As WPLG’s Michael Putney said, “When he refuses to answer, just understand: it’s not me he’s disrespecting, it’s you.”
………………………………………………………… //

Seems to me that the GOP recently put the just repeat your talking points over and over instead of answering the reporters questions. They probably want to avoid a future tv clip used against them but their plan is backfiring big time as it looks completely ridiculous to see them repeat the same thing over and over. It probably shows their stupidity more than just telling why they did whatever it was they did.

I am proud of TOD for this post. Because TOD is such a village for our international community, it is only right that this blog provides a voice to Gaza. For me it was never about religion or which country was doing what.

For me it is about, the oppressed and who is doing the oppressing and even worse using US Tax payer dollars to do it. We have an obligation to demand righting something we know is wrong.